Effect of Low-Level Laser Acupuncture and Microcurrent Electrical Stimulation on Gag Reflex in Children During Dental Impression: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial.

IF 2.3 3区医学 Q2 DENTISTRY, ORAL SURGERY & MEDICINE

International journal of paediatric dentistry Pub Date : 2025-01-23 DOI:10.1111/ipd.13296

Sara Salah, Saswan Hafez, Marwa Baraka

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Background: Dental impressions are crucial in pediatric dentistry, but exaggerated gagging can obstruct this process. Various methods have been proposed to manage the gag reflex (GR).

Aim: This study aimed to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of laser acupuncture and electroacupuncture in controlling children's GR.

Design: A three-armed randomized controlled trial was conducted with 63 patients aged 6-9, with excessive GR, scheduled for dental impressions. Participants were assigned to one of three groups: low-level laser (n = 21), microcurrent stimulation with a Meridian pen (n = 21), and a control group with a deactivated pen (n = 21). Gag preventive index (GPI) was taken, and dental anxiety was assessed using the Facial Image Scale (FIS), pulse rate (PR), and blood oxygen saturation (SaO₂). Significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results: All interventions influenced GPI scores. The Meridian pen and laser groups achieved better GPI scores (p < 0.001) than the control group. FIS scores between the Meridian pen and laser groups were comparable, differing significantly from the control group (p < 0.001). The Meridian pen and laser groups showed greater reductions in PR (p < 0.001) and higher SaO₂ post-intervention (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The Meridian pen and laser outperformed the control group, demonstrating effectiveness in enhancing physiological and subjective measures.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT06422286.

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来源期刊

International journal of paediatric dentistry 医学-小儿科

CiteScore

5.50

自引率

2.60%

发文量

审稿时长

6-12 weeks

期刊介绍： The International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry was formed in 1991 by the merger of the Journals of the International Association of Paediatric Dentistry and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry and is published bi-monthly. It has true international scope and aims to promote the highest standard of education, practice and research in paediatric dentistry world-wide. International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry publishes papers on all aspects of paediatric dentistry including: growth and development, behaviour management, diagnosis, prevention, restorative treatment and issue relating to medically compromised children or those with disabilities. This peer-reviewed journal features scientific articles, reviews, case reports, clinical techniques, short communications and abstracts of current paediatric dental research. Analytical studies with a scientific novelty value are preferred to descriptive studies. Case reports illustrating unusual conditions and clinically relevant observations are acceptable but must be of sufficiently high quality to be considered for publication; particularly the illustrative material must be of the highest quality.